Testosterone levels?

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I wondered if anybody else was monitoring testosterone levels? It seems it is not routinely done during hormone treatment. My GP kindly helped me to do this and it went from a fairly average (for my age) 22 to 0.3 over two months after a first Prostap injection. I'm not sure if this is normal and neither is my GP. My consultant, who is mostly uncontactable, rarely answers any queries so I can't get a professional opinion.

It would seem to be a good idea to have ultra low testosterone, preventing a tumour from growing in the first stages, but the side effects, apart from smaller testicles and all the usual culprits, can be osteoporosis, lack of muscle mass, more fatigue (as I needed more!) so is anyone else was monitoring theirs?

YoungMan over 3 years ago

This is something I've been intrigued by. Especially over the period of injection it's 12 weeks course rather than 3 months, i often wonder how testosterone varies over period and therefore hiw effectively hormone therapy is over periods of time

Ido4 over 3 years ago

Hi Jonno75, a testosterone level of 0.7 nmol/l is regarded as desired during hormone therapy.

Although a testosterone level of 1.7 nmol/L or lower has historically been defined as the accepted castrate level, newer assays with improved sensitivity have shown that both medical and surgical castration can suppress testosterone levels to below 0.7 nmol/L.

If your reading is in nmol/L then you are well below this level.

But as you say long term skeletal issues can be one of the side effects.

I was refused testosterone tests whilst on hormone therapy due to cost!

Worth monitoring I’m sure.

All the best.

Ido4

Jonno75 over 3 years ago in reply to Ido4

Wow, Ido4! As I understand it the testosterone test costs about £15 to the GP, so the cost excuse seems a little ridiculous. I have mine as part of a routine blood test checking PSA, liver function etc.

Thanks for the quote regarding the 0.7 nmol/L . I suppose I have to accept testicles the size of bilberries! Have to say I am not currently experiencing any ill effects apart from the ubiquitous hot flushes.

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Testosterone levels?